GQ Selects: July

**1. Calvin Klein 'U9001' Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt **

Calvin Klein Underwear is some of the best-fitting underwear out there and their T-shirts are no different. They fit spectacularly and are our go-to t-shirt here at GQ. As much as the brand's ad campaigns are edgy and progressive, they do iconic American basics uncompromisingly well. These t-shirts have a precisely cut sleeve that fits around the arm perfectly and ribbing at the neck that's just the right width. It's a chance to own a little bit of that James Dean mystique and mojo for not a lot of money.

J Brand is a denim-based company that's doing great things in the non-denim world. What I love about them is that Jeff Rudes, who owns the company, is obsessed with fit. He's not interested in producing hundreds of styles, just a select few that have the most perfect fit. This cargo has a softness to it but still holds its shape. The pant is able to have so many design details, like buttoned pockets and seamed legs, because of the very slim cut that keeps a guy from looking like he has saddlebags. I think these are the best-fitting cargos out there right now.

Most people look to Hugo Boss for work wear staples, from perfect business suits to shirts and ties, but what a lot of them don't know is that the brand is a great resource for sportswear with a great European sensibility. This bathing suit is a great hybrid of a swim trunk and an athletic short, cut a little slimmer and sexier than American versions. The sporty, contrasting side stripe detail has the same spirit as a racing stripe on a muscle car and the graphic touch flatters every guy by making him look like he has smaller hips.

Havaianas are made with the most incredible quality. We visit them every year and the process of how they are put together constantly amazes me. They are engineered perfectly to be comfortable on all terrain and hold up well in salt water and chlorine. And they finish off any summer look. They come in a million colors but, for us, it's got to be black. As far as I'm concerned if you don't have black flip flops you can't make it through the summer month. In a way it's the $18 status symbol and the beach.

To most designers a Henley is a Henley, but not to Todd Snyder. He's found ways to do these really masculine pieces but make them his own and make them original. The placket and collar are trimmed with chambray fabric, which creates some visual interest at the front, and turns the piece into something that looks as good under a jacket as it does by itself. Snyder's touches take something born in underwear culture and turn it into a fashion staple. ** **

The trick to buying distressed jeans is finding a pair that looks like I did it myself. What I love about Diesel jeans is the washing and distressing is carefully thought-out and only gets better with more wear. The wash on this particular pair has a faded, summer look, as if I jumped in the pool and let them dry off in the sun. The slightly lighter-weight denim has a nice hand to it and the cut, a slim straight with a tapered ankle, is easy to roll up and with flip flops or your favorite loafer for a flash of ankle. These are jeans that would look appropriate with the dressiest suit jacket or that Calvin Klein t-shirt.

When we were putting together tank tops for the July issue story, this one was at the top of our list because it has an athletic edge but doesn't look like something you'd pick up at a sporting goods store. The contrasting black and white piping, set against that faded red, feels a bit 1960's SoCal and gives off a laid back beach-y, surf vibe. Also, Alternative Apparel does a great job on making sure their fabrics, which are naturally dyed, feel as good on the skin as they look.

Not only are you buying into Persol's amazing heritage with these sunglasses, but you are getting this incredible craftsmanship and quality. They're made in Italy and if you're investing in a pair of sunglasses it should be on ones, like this, that aren't flash-in-the-pan trendy. The keyhole detail is key here because there's not one person who doesn't look good in these sunglasses—the cut-out flatters the bridge of every nose. Tortoise can look spotty or cheap sometimes but because of the Persol's commitment to quality, this pair strikes the right balance between light and dark and looks good on every kind of skin tone.

The dress shirt of the season. You're getting that perfect Thom Browne fit and a shirt from him that, at this point, is a great American classic. I think once a guy takes the leap and puts on a Thom Browne shirt, he is pretty much hooked. Thom changes up his patterns every season and I love that he went for a big, loud plaid this time around. While the pattern might seem intense, the shirt's classic silhouette remains restrained so it works whether dressed-up with a business suit and tie or untucked with a pair of shorts.

This is a great summer sneaker in a rich blue suede. It has a low profile and looks good with everything from jeans to white pants to a pair of shorts. Prada has made them lightweight and the insole is nicely cushioned and comfortable compared to similar styles out there. Essentially, it's the quality and craftsmanship you'd expect from a Prada shoe, but found in a sporty, refined sneaker.

Jack Spade is sensitive to the fact that guys don't want a lot of bells and whistles and I appreciate that what they do is make products that are simple, but never boring. This rucksack, which is different from a backpack because of the drawstring and single closure, comes in this amazing red that would look incredible with a khaki or navy cotton suit or even an army jacket and jeans on the weekend. The durable matte nylon material makes it easy to clean, so it works for the office or the beach, and the lined interior is equally suited for an iPad or six-pack of beer. You don't feel like a college kid wearing it, or a mountain climber, just like a cool guy who wants some color in his wardrobe without incorporating it into his outfit.

We're very big fans of Orlebar here. The short story behind the brand, pun intended, is it's founder, Adam Brown, was an art director and photographer who was tired of going to the beach and having to change out of his swimsuit to go to lunch or get something off of the sand. So these have been tailored like a great pair of trousers, including pockets and tonal side tabs, and work when worn with other clothing or simply as a swimsuit. This olive drab color is one of those great neutrals that can be paired back to just about any hue. They're a bit of an investment, most guys have never spent three figures on swim trunks, but one that is totally worth it. It's going to do double duty over any other swimsuit and last twice as long.

Calvin Klein Underwear is some of the best-fitting underwear out there and their T-shirts are no different. They fit spectacularly and are our go-to t-shirt here at GQ. As much as the brand's ad campaigns are edgy and progressive, they do iconic American basics uncompromisingly well. These t-shirts have a precisely cut sleeve that fits around the arm perfectly and ribbing at the neck that's just the right width. It's a chance to own a little bit of that James Dean mystique and mojo for not a lot of money.